Photos

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Newly promoted Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. James Ressel of St. Joseph, Illinois, thanks family, friends, and colleagues for their support throughout his 27-year career, at a promotion ceremony July 7 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Share

Alex Ressel, son of newly promoted Sgt. Maj. James Ressel, practices the time-honored tradition of “tacking on” new rank during the promotion ceremony July 7 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Share

Fred Ressel, uncle of newly promoted Sgt. Maj. James Ressel, secures the new rank during the promotion ceremony July 7 at the Illinois Military Academy, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

Share

Lt. Col. Mark Williams, supervisory contract specialist, U.S. Property and Fiscal Office for Illinois, presents a brief overview of the basic requirements for a business to participate in government contracting programs during the Camp Lincoln 117th anniversary commemoration July 6.

Share

Lt. Col. Brad Leighton, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Director, talks briefly about the history of Camp Lincoln during the Camp Lincoln 117th anniversary commemoration July 6.

Share

Brig. Gen. Mark Alessia, Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, welcomes local business leaders to Camp Lincoln, in Springfield, Illinois, for a brief overview of doing business with the government July 6 during the Camp Lincoln 117th anniversary commemoration.

Share

Illinois Air National Guard Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. James Silvasy.

Share

Illinois Air National Guard Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. James Silvasy.

Share

Illinois Air National Guard Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. James Silvasy.

Share

Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, Director of the Air National Guard, talks about how he first met then Col. Donald “DK” Carpenter, during Carpenter’s promotion ceremony June 1, 2023.

Share

Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, Director of the Air National Guard, administers the oath of office to newly promoted Maj. Gen. Donald “DK” Carpenter June 1, 2023, at the Illinois National Guard’s 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois.

Share

Donald “DK” Carpenter, is pinned to major general by his family June 1, 2023, at the Illinois National Guard’s 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois.

Share

Lt. Col. Jason Carter congratulates Master Sgt. Erin Connelly on her promotion during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, June 6.

Share

Col. (ret.) Eric Davis “pins” Master Sgt. Erin Connelly with her new rank during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, June 6.

Share

Newly promoted Master Sgt. Erin Connelly speaks to those in attendance during her promotion ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, June 6.

Share

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan Patten, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, based in Decatur, during training with the Illinois Army National Guard. On July 18, Patten will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to compete in the All-Army Women’s Softball training camp as the only National Guard member. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan Patten)

Share

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan Patten, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, based in Decatur, shows off a challenge coin she received for a job well done. On July 18, Patten will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to compete in the All-Army Women’s Softball training camp as the only National Guard member. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan Patten)

Share

Mary Joan “MJ” Patten’s love of softball began when she was five years old, playing T-ball for the Rockford, Illinois, Park District. On July 18, Patten will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to compete in the All-Army Women’s Softball training camp. (Photo provided by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan “MJ” Patten)

Share

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan “MJ” Patten reaches for the ball during a slow pitch softball tournament in which she was participating. On July 18, Patten will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to compete in the All-Army Women’s Softball training camp. (Photo by Cali Love Photography)

Share

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Mary Joan “MJ” Patten prepares to swing during an at-bat with the military women’s slow pitch softball team she plays on. On July 18, Patten will report to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to compete in the All-Army Women’s Softball training camp. (Photo provided by David Luberti Photography)

Share